msturtz wrote:
My issues with the Ford F53 chassis is you are pushing a gasoline engine and drivetrain very hard to get to 26,000# GVWR. The low tow rating further limits the utility of an F53 gas rig for pulling a toad. The rear overhang is very long and unless they have changed it the 45 degree wheel cut means the turning radius is closer to a much longer DP coach (common DP units have a 55 degree wheel cut a front overhang and smaller rear overhang). This isn't to mention the extra heat and noise with the giant V10 under my feet. The ease of service was a myth for me. No regular Ford dealership would work on my gas motorhome. I had to take it only to authorized Ford truck shops in major cities. That severely limited my service options. With my DP most any commercial truck repair shop will work on it. Side benefit is the commercial truck shops repair hours are great. Many shops are open 24x7 others are open till midnight. If you don't need to tow, don't mind heat and noise and a comparatively poor turning radius they can be a good option.
Having owned both gas and diesel, the above is great advice and well worth consideration in a purchase decision. I don't think anyone here can tell you what's right for you. Only you can make the list of all the pro's and con's and their relative importance to you.
Also, I think floorplans are important, but are also only one factor among the multitude of other decision factors. Slightly different floorplans can still work very well for the vast majority of people, but quality and many of the "comfort" features not specifically associated with a floorplan can really make or break satisfaction.
